This photo created by Bronx agency and provided by the Cannes International Film Festival shows the poster for the upcoming 65th edition of the festival featuring US actress Marilyn Monroe photographed by Otto L. Bettmann. The festival will run from May 16 to 27, 2012. AP Photo/Otto L. Bettmann/Corbis/Bettmann/Bronx Agency.

PARIS (AP).- Organizers of the Cannes Film Festival have chosen to honor Marilyn Monroe by selecting a photo of the Hollywood sex goddess for the poster of this year's event.

The organizers said in a statement Tuesday that "50 years after her death, Marilyn remains one of the major figures of world cinema, an eternal and contemporary reference of grace, mystery and seduction."

The poster shows the American actress, eyelids lowered and lips pursed, blowing out a candle on a birthday cake.

The 65th Cannes Film Festival runs from May 16 to 27.

Nanni Moretti, the satirical Italian filmmaker and 2001 Palme d'Or winner, heads the jury at this year's festival on the French Riviera.